Richard Tarlton was favourite among jesters to Queen Elizabeth I. Tarlton was the first to achieve national celebrity as a comedian and enjoyed a successful career in theatre as a leading member of the Queen’s Players. As a writer, he was the author of popular ballads and plays. ‘Jester’ celebrates the era where boredom was alleviated through humour and the banal through intellect.

Vineyard
The grapes come from the Willunga district of McLaren Vale, where the heavy grey loam soils over sandstone, intermixed with black Biscay clay, combined with the maritime climate, contribute to an even ripening period and the development of rich fruit flavours and ripe tannins. Yield is around 4 tons an acre.

Vintage - 2006
A dry winter, followed by heavy rains in spring, resulted in vines with healthy, balanced canopies on moist soils. A mild, early summer leading into a warmer period of veraison stopped vegetative growth, allowing vines to channel energy into fruit. The reds were very fragrant with good acidity and length. Shiraz showed excellent quality
 Vintage reports courtesy of the Phylloxera and Grape Industry Board of South Australia

Winemaking
Each parcel of fruit for Jester is fermented on skins for 5 to 6 days at a cool temperature to enhance the pure berry fruit. The wine is then pressed and undergoes partial barrel fermentation. A natural malolactic fermentation is completed before the wine is racked.

Aged in 2-4 year old French oak for 9 months

Tasting Notes
Dense purple colour  and an almost black appearance. Dark chocolate, anise and allspice dominate the nose, supported by hints of French oak, cherries and coffee. A fresh and juicy mid-palate shrouds tannin and length. The wine has flavours of fresh cut plums and licorice with hints of blackberry and espresso. A long and lingering  finish.  

Cellaring:
Will cellar well for 6 to 8 years.

Tasting Notes
Jester Shiraz | 2006 (1150k)